OFFICIAL INFORMAL: ABMC NORTH AFRICA

UNCLAS TUNIS 001433 SIPDIS OFFICIAL INFORMAL SIPDIS FOR A/S POWELL FROM AMBASSADOR BILL HUDSON STATE FOR NEA/MAG - LAWRENCE, NEA/PPD AND R/FO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SCUL KPAO MARR OEXC TS SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL: ABMC NORTH AFRICA REF: STATE 92220 I read with interest your message on the significance of American cemeteries and monuments abroad and thought you would appreciate the efforts that Embassy Tunis has taken to recognize and utilize the public diplomacy role the North Africa Cemetery can play. Embassy Tunis considers the ABMC an integral part of our mission and I actively encourage all visitors to visit the cemetery. In 2006 alone, the North Africa Cemetery has been visited by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick, multiple U.S. senators SIPDIS and representatives, and a variety of other civilian and military officials. I am also pleased to report that the Tunisian government is very supportive of North Africa Cemetery. In recognition of the public diplomacy value of the cemetery, I have invited GOT officials to join me and other USG officials in events that have received positive local press coverage. While Tunisia hosts only one ABMC facility, in May I participated in the dedication of the Kasserine Pass Monument. The monument in Kasserine, the first major U.S. battle in North Africa, presents another opportunity to honor the heroic sacrifices of Americans in Tunisia. We will encourage U.S. officials to also visit the Kasserine Pass Monument if their schedules permit. Thank you for highlighting the important role of the ABMC in Tunisia. I assure you it will continue to play an active role in our public diplomacy efforts. HUDSON